John Simm's Revealing Playlist: From Early Favorites to Unexplained Dislikes
The first track I was captivated by
My first memory is stepping into a space at kindergarten where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was captivated by the sound effects, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the refrain, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”
The very first record I purchased
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a contest at school to choose a brand new record to play at the mini disco we had on Fridays. My teacher took me to Woolworths, and I picked out Come Back My Love by Darts. The first record I purchased with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Lancashire. It was number one at the time, and I selected it when my father pointed out that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The track I perform at karaoke
I honestly do not enjoy karaoke and dodge it at all costs. But if I had to, I’d select Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The song I oddly recite all the words to
I not long ago discovered that I have memorized virtually every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The perfect song to play at a soirée
It depends on the point of the evening you are at. For the beginning it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the party deepens, I’d transition into the Artist, the Rolling Stones and Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an massive track.
The song I can not bear
I inexplicably loathe Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The best song to have sex to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The record that changed my life
When I was 12 and just learning to play the guitar, I’d only listen to 1950s rock ’n’roll, and was consumed by Elvis, the rock pioneer, the killer, the New Orleans legend, the glasses-wearing icon and the rockabilly star. Then my childminder introduced me to Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was powerful rock music. Instantly after he dropped the vinyl on the record player, I was captivated.
The track that motivates me in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.
The song that brings me to tears
All music leaves me moved. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Fab Four all bring a tear to my eye because of the melody and utter beauty of the singing. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley hits me hard every time.
The song I’d like performed at my final send-off
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.
